Champions League Draw, Who Wins, Who Loses?

Why are Liverpool the most “disadvantaged” team in the Champions League draw?

Liverpool topped the league phase standings with a record of seven wins and one loss. Along with seven other teams, they advanced directly to the round of 16.

However, because of the new format of the Champions League this time, many big teams have to fight their way through the playoffs, making it possible for them to meet too early. That's what happened.

Manchester City had to be eliminated directly in the playoffs, eliminated by Real Madrid. Then, in the draw for the round of 16, the meeting of the big teams also happened again.

Liverpool must immediately face PSG, while Real Madrid will engage in a derby against their city rival, Atletico Madrid. These teams can be considered the most disadvantaged by the results of the draw held on Friday (21/2/2025).

Barcelona can be considered fortunate as the team occupying the second position in the league phase standings. They had the possibility of facing PSG, but the draw ensured they would meet the Portuguese club, Benfica, which on paper is easier compared to PSG.

The lower teams are among those who benefit because they avoid meeting the big teams. Aston Villa and Club Brugge can be said to fall into this category. By meeting each other, they avoid meeting the big teams.

Why is this Champions League a dark season for Italian football?

Only one Italian club has qualified directly for the last 16 from the four representatives in the league phase, namely Inter Milan. The rest, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus, must fight through the playoffs.

In the playoff draw, they were fortunate to face opponents they could have beaten on paper. But all three Italian teams fell flat.

In fact, Milan and Juventus have a stellar history in the Champions League, while Atalanta also has a good record in Europe after winning the Europa League. However, all three failed to maintain the dignity of Italian football after being defeated by their opponents.

Why is Real Madrid the most dangerous team in Europe?

Real Madrid's efforts to defend their Champions League title this season did not go smoothly. Carlo Ancelotti's team had to fight until the last match to just advance to the playoffs. They failed to qualify directly for the last 16 after only finishing 11th in the league phase.

However, underestimating Madrid is tantamount to suicide. In the biggest competition between European clubs, Madrid is the king. This is proven by their dominance in the continental event, with a record of 15 trophies, far exceeding the achievements of other big European teams.

The success of eliminating Manchester City in the playoffs is a warning to other teams. No team wants to meet Madrid in the last 16 or subsequent rounds.

If they can get past their city rivals in the round of 16, Real Madrid will be a threat to other teams in the next round. In fact, many will be backing them to become champions again this season.

Who has the chance to keep going?

With so many surprises in this season's Champions League, it's hard to predict which teams will advance to the quarter-finals. However, recent performances by clubs in domestic competitions could provide some clues.

Barcelona have an open opportunity to overcome Benfica who on paper are below them. Lamine Yamal and his friends are also in an uphill form in La Liga after being able to displace Real Madrid from the top of the standings.

In contrast, Liverpool, who seemed unstoppable, are starting to slow down. They have dropped four points from their last three games, so their nine-point lead at the top of the standings over Arsenal could be cut to five points after this weekend's games.

On the other hand, PSG, Liverpool's opponents, despite stumbling in the league phase, showed their sharpness when they defeated Brest in the playoffs with a landslide aggregate of 10-0. In the French League, PSG is also unmatched.